Therapeutic Potential and Mechanisms of Berberine in Cardiovascular Disease

Berberine is originally isolated from extracts of the Chinese herb Coptis chinensis. It was initially used to treat diarrhea. Over the past two decades, berberine has been shown to be effective for improving glycemic and lipid profiles. Interest in its protective effects against diabetes and cardiovascular risk is beginning to emerge, and research investigating the pharmacological activity of berberine is developing rapidly and being reported internationally. Some clinical evidence has demonstrated the ability of berberine to prevent endothelial dysfunction, myocardial infarction, and arrhythmia in patients with cardiovascular risks. Numerous molecular targets of berberine have been explored, including adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT), and NADPH oxidase (NOX). The aim of this review is to focus on the therapeutic potential of berberine in cardiovascular disease and to describe its underlying mechanisms in the pathogenesis of artherosclerosis, hypertension, heart failure, ischemia reperfusion heart injury, stroke, and arrhythmias. © 2016, Springer International Publishing AG.